Separator



T. J. STURTEVANT ET AL July 1 1924.

SEPARATOR 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 5 Jul 1 1924.

T. J. STURTEVANT ET AL v SEPARATOR Filed April 5, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented duly 1, 1924.

THOMAS J. STURTEVANT, OF WELLESLEY, AND EDWARD'A. SAWYER, OF SWAMPSCOTT,

MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNORS 'IO STURTEVANT MILL'COMPANY, 0F BOSTON, MASSA CHQUSE'ITS, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

I SEPARATOR.

Application filed April 5, 1923. Serial N0. 630,038.

I '0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, THOMAS J. STUR- TEVANT and EDWARD A. SAWYER, citizens of the United States, residing at Wellesley and Swampscott, respectively, in the counties of Norfolk and Essex, respectively, and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Separators, of which the following is a specification.

The invention to be hereinafter described relates to screen separators for grading materials, and more particularly to means for vibrating the screen or screens.

In Letters Patent of T. J. Sturtevant, No. 1,454,140, granted May 8, 1923, is disclosed an eccentric, mechanism for vibrating the screen. The eccentric has slight" eccentricity,'and it is rotated at high speed, and means is provided for transmitting movements from the eccentric to the screen, thereby to place the same in a highly vibrant condition. The transmitting means preferably is not attached to the screen, so

that the latter may move independently thereof with sympathetic vibrations.

The mechanism of said patent'is a good eflieient means for the purpose, but under some conditions it is desirable to provide means which may cooperate with the eccentric vibrating mechan sm further to contribute to the vibration of the screen.

In carrying this feature of the invention into practical effect,.in the present instance, the eccentric mechanism vibrates. a member of the resilient screen frame, causing end portions of the member to flex and whip up and down against elements which limit the amplitude of vibration of the end portions of the frame member, and desirably cooperate with the eccentric mechanism in producing effective vibration of the screen.

The eccentric preferably has slight eccentricity, but nder difi'erent conditions it may be desirable to 'vary this slight eccentricity, thereby to vary the amplitude of the blows or reciprocatory movements which the eccentric mechanism imparts to the screen. Another purpose of the invention, therefore, is to provide a strong, simple device whereby the eccentricity or effective throw of the eccentric may be readily varied as required.

With the aforesaid and other purposes in view, the character of the invention may J be best understood by reference to the following description of one good form thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig; 1 is a vertical longitudinal section through a separator embodying the invention; I

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the separator shown in Fig. -1, certain parts being shown in section;

Fig. 3 on an enlarged scaleis a perspective view of a detail to be referredto;

Fig. 4 on an enlarged scale is a vertical section through the eccentric vibrating mechanism Fig. 5 on an enlarged scale is a sectio taken on line 55 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 6 is a transverse section taken on line 66 of Fig. "5.

Referring to the drawings, the separator shown therein as one good form of the invention, may comprise a'frame, casing, or other suitable support, in the present instance, includ ng base angle bars 1, front upright angle bars 3, rear inclined angle bars 5, and top inclined angle bars 7, the

ends of said bars being overlapped and riveted or' otherwise secured together. To

further contribute to the strength of the construction, the base bars 1 and top bars 7 may be connected to inclined channels 9 which may be stiffened by a cross channel 11. In the present instance of the invention, the sides of the separator are closed by side plates 13 which may be riveted or otherwise secured to the frame formed by the bars described. I

The front end 15 of the casing may be open, and the rear end of the casing'may beclosed by a plate 17 connected by angle bars 19 to the side plates and further closed by a top plate '21 connected by short angle bars 23 with the side plates. 'The materials able source into the casing by an inclined plate 25 connected by angle bars 27 with the side plates.

to be graded may be guided from any suit- A screen or screens may be mounted in the casing, and in the present instance, two screens are employed, one an upper or scalper screen, and the other a lower or fine screen. I J

The upper screen comprises screen cloth-v ing 29 which may be stretched on a frame comprising side members 31 of wood or other suitable material connected by end angle bars 33 and 35, said side members being also connected by transverse bars 37 of wood or other suitable material located intermediate the end angle bars. The side members are secured to the end bar 33 by clips 39 and to the end bar 35-by clips 41.

Flexible strips 42 are secured to the side members of the screen frame, and are adapted to engage the side plates 13 of the casing to prevent escape of materials from the screen into the spaces between the side edges of the screen and the side plates of the casing.

The lower screen, in the present instance of the invention, comprises screen clothing 43 stretched on a frame having side mem- 'bers 45 of wood or other suitable material connected by end angle bars 47 and/t9,

' and also connected by transverse bars 51 of wood or other suitable material located intermediate the end bars. The side members are secured to the end bar 47 by clips 53 and to the end bar 49 by clips 55.

Flexible strips 56 are secured to the side members of the screen frame, and are adapted to engage the side plates 13 of the casing to prevent escape of materials from the screen into the spaces between the side edges of the screen and the side plates of the casing.

Suitable means may be provided for supporting the lower end of the upper or ing the elevation of the pipe, the angle -of-- the screen may be varied for most efficient grading of different kinds of materials.

The materials which are too large to pass through the meshes of the screen clothing, will flow down along the screen and over the lower end thereof. To guide these materials after leaving the screen, an inclined plate 63 may be provided having its lower end resting on the front base angle bar 1. To the upper portion of this plate, hooks 65 are secured, and are adapted to hang on the pip 57, and the angle bar 33 at the lower end of the screen may in turn rest on these hooks. The pipe 57 will not only serve to support the lower end of the screen, but also will prevent the same from sliding downward in the direction of the plane of the screen.

Laeaeea Suitable means may be provided to support the lower end of the line screen. This means, in the present instance, is in the form of a pipe 67, extending horizontally between the casing side plates 13, said pipe having its end portions tapped to receive screw bolts 69, which may be entered through selected holes 61 in the side plates. The end angle bar 17 of the screen rests upon and is supported by the pipe 67, and also prevents the screen from sliding downward in the direction of the plane thereof.

To prevent the materials delivered be tween the screens from mixing with the materials passing through the line screen, a plate 71 may be provided having its lower end engaging a transverse angle bar 73 secured to the side base bars 1. To the upper portion of this plate are secured books 75 which are hung on the pipe 67, and the angle bar- 47 in turn may rest on these hooks.

Beneath the upper member of the lower or fin screen are a pair of pins or elements 77 of wood or other suitable material mounted in sockets 79 secured to and depending from the top plate 21 referred to. The lower ends ofthese pins may rest upon buttons 81 supported by adjusting screws 83 provided .with lock nuts 85. The construction is such that by adjusting the screws 83, the elevation of the pins 77 may be varied as required. The upper ends of said pins may be engaged by impact plates 87 secured to the angle bar d9 at the upper end of the fine screen.

Above the upper member of the scalper screen are a pair of screw bolts or elements 88 entered through holes in a channel 88 mounted on and secured to the top inclined frame members 7, said bolts being adjustably secured to said channel by nuts 88'. The heads of these bolts may engage impact plates 88 secured to the upper angle bar 35 of the scalper screen.

Suitable means may be provided to support the upper end of the scalper screen from the fine screen. This means, in the present instance, being in the form of a pair of Ushaped feet '89 secured to the end angle bar 55 of the fine screen. The upper ends of these feet are adapted to engage impact plates 91 secured to the end angle bar 41 of the scalper screen.

The vibrating mechanism, in the present instance of the invention, comprises a casing 93 which may be mounted on a channel 95 secured to inclined angle bars 97 secured in turn to the "angle bars 1 and 5 referred-to.

The casing 93 comprises a pair of heads or parts 95 and 97 secured in assembled relation by through bolts 99. Mounted in this casing are ball bearings 101 in which is journalled a shaft 103. The head 95 has I an opening for receiving the shaft, and is closed by acover plate 105 secured. to the head by screw bolts 107. The,;head 97 has an opening through which the shaft 103 projects, and s'aid'head is provided with a counterbore at said opening receiving packing 109 held in said counterbore by a collar 111 secured to the head by screws 113.

The shaft is formed to present an eccentric 115 having a slight eccentricity, such, 'for example, as 1; of an inch. To vary the effective eccentricity of the eccentric 115, a bushing 117 may be mounted thereon of a varying thickness. To secure this bushing in different positions of rotative' adjustment, it may'have tapered holes 119 circumfer entially distributed in the bushing, and

formed in the eccentric is a bore'121 adapt ed to receive a locking pin 123 having a reduced tapered end 125 adapted to enter into one of the holes 119 when brought into registration therewith. The pin is urged outward by a coil spring 127 having one end engaging the inner surface of the bushing, and having a portion entered into a recess 129 in the pin. In assembling the parts, the pin and the coil spring may be introduced into the bore 121 in the eccentric, and then the bushing may he slid longitudinally onto the eccentric, and thereby confine the spring in said bore. The spring will tend constantly to press the tapered reduced end 125 of the pin into the selected hole of thebushing. and on rotation of the eccentric. centrifugal force will contribute to this effect.

When it is desired to vary the effective eccentricity of the eccentric. the pin 123 -is pressed inward by a suitable tool against the resistance of the spring. Then the bushing may be given a rotative adjustment to bring the desired hole in the bushing in registration with the reduced end of the pin. Thereupon. thelatter will snap outward and automatically lock the bushing against rotation with respect to the eccentric.

To drive the eccentric shaft. it is extended outward beyond the head 97 and may be driven from any source of power... In the present instance, said shaft receives the armature 133 of an electric motor 135. The field 137 of the motor is mounted in a cas ing 139 secured .by screw bolts 141 to an extension 143 on the head 97. This preferably is a high speed motor. and is adapted to drive ,the' eccentric shaft at high speed,-'such, for example, as 1800 R.- P. M.

Fast on the eccentric bushing 117 is a ring 145 having a raceway, and opposed thereto is a raceway of a ring or strap 147, balls 149 being provided between the rings. A shoe orfollower 151 rests on the periphery of the ring 147, and has flanges at opposite sides of said ring to prevent the shoe from moving laterally oif from the ring.

A rod 153 has a reduced end 155 entered p pe 181 with one into a boss on the shoe, and is secured thereto by a through pin 157. This rod projects upward through a column 159, having at the bottom" thereof a flange 161 opposed to a flange 163 on the eccentric .casing, said flanges being secured together by bolts 165. A plate 167 is confined between said flanges, and has an upstanding collar 169 somewhat into the column.

Mounted on the upper end of the column is a collar 171 internally of square or rectangular form adapted to receive a similarly shaped sleeve 173 threaded on the rod 153, a bushing 174 being provided between said collar and sleeve. This sleeve has a free sliding fit in the collar, and confines the rod against rotation. v

To lubricate the bushing and sleeve a projectlng grease cup 175 maybe provided connected by a pipe 177 with the collar 171. The casing-containing the eccent-ric and ball bearings may be filled with grease which may be supplied by a' grease cup 179 connected by a of the parts of the casing 93.

Secured to the upper end of the rod 153, is a U-shaped head 183 adapted to engage a plate 185 secured to the angle bar 55 at the upper eiid of the fine screen. To prevent lost motion between the raceway rings 145 and 147, the balls 149 and thefollower 151, a coil spring 187 is provided in the column 159. and is confined between the base of the collar 171 and anut 189 threaded on the rod 153. The nut may have an apron'191 depending therefrom and overlapping the upstanding sleeve 169 referred to, thereby to prevent dust from entering the casing containing the eccentric. 1

The construction is such that the eccentric in the course of its rotation will push the rod 153 upward. and the. coil spring 187 will-push the rod downward. Thus, any lost motion or backlash between the parts is prevented, and wear thereon is reduced to a' minimum. 7

When the eccentric is rotated at high speed. the rod 153 and its head will be rapidly reciprocated with a' small amplitude of movement. and the head will strike the plate 91 on the under side of the end angle bar 49 of the fine screen with a rapid succession of minute blows. Since the bar 49 has a resilient character, it will arch and flex more or less back and forth and strike the wooden pins 7 7 referred to, with a rapid succession of blows.

The end portions of the bar 49 may whip up and downwith an amplitude of vibration greater-than that of the middle of the bar which is in line with and receives the blows or reciprocatory movementsfrom the eccentric actuated rod. The pins 77 may be adiusted to an elevation such that they will limit the amplitude of vibration of said bar. The vibrations of the bar will be trans mitted through the other members of the frame to the screen clothing thereon and keep the meshes thereof open for eiiicient grading effect,

The vibrations will. be transmitted from. the fine screen frame through the feet 183 to the upper frame bar 35 of the scalper screen. The end portions of said bar may whip up and down with. an amplitude of vibration greater than that of the middle of the bar which receives blows from the feet .183. The bolts or elements 88 are struclr by the end portions of said bar with a rapid succession of blows, and said bolts may be adjusted so that they will limit the amplitude of vibration of said bar. The vibrations of the bar will be transmitted through the other members of the frame to the screen clothing thereon, and keep the meshes thereof open for efficient grading efiect.

The provision of the elements against which the screen frame members whip or strike a rapid succession of blows desirably contributes to the efiective vibration of the) screens,

Preferably the eccentric actuated member is not tied or connected to the screen or screens, so that they may have sympathetic vibrations independent of the pure harmonic motion of said member, and the screens may rock laterally more or less depending on conditions such, for example, as uneven distribution of materials thereon lit may be desirable to press the screens downward toward the vibrating mechanism. To accomplish this, in the present instance, a spring pressure device is provided com prising a foot 193 having one end in engagement with the angle bar 35 at the upper end of the scalper screen, and having its opposite end downturned and resting on a channel 195 at the lower end of a plate 197 secured to a plate 198 and a strip 198 secured to an angle bar 199 connected to the inclined angle bars 5 at the rear end of the casing. The plate 198 extends down to and stiifens the top plate 21. Twprevent the foot 193 from sliding along I the channel 195, a pair of blocks 201 may be secured in the channel at opposite edges of the foot.

A rod 203 is entered through a hole in the foot 193, and has a head 205 engaging the upper face of the foot. This rod projects downward through a hole .in the top plate 21, and is urged downward by a coil spring 207 confined between said plate and an adjusting nut 209 which may jbe secured by a lock nut 211.

The construction is such that the coil spring 207 will tend to draw the rod 203 downward, and the latter inturn will press the foot 193 downward against the upper screen. This pressure will be, transmitted from the upper screen through the feet 89 naeases to the lower screen and to the head 183 reciprocated by the eccentric. The consequence is that if the coil spring 107 is adjusted to provide sufficient tension, the screens may be pressed downward so as to closely follow the reciprocatory movements of the eccentric actuated head, but preferably the spring is relaxed so as to permit the screens to be thrown upward more or less, and have a greater amplitude of movement than the eccentric reciprocated head. The movements of the head may be out of step with those of the lower screen, so that the head will meet the screen and add to the force of the blows of the head thereon,

' The separator described is open at the top between the inclined angle bars 7 of the frame, thereby enabling ready inspection of conditions within the casing. llf it is desired to remove the screens from the casing, the tension of the coil spring 207 may be relaxed and the foot 193 may be lifted from the upper screen. Thereupon, said screen is free to be lifted from the casing. This will expose the lower screen and permit the same readily to be lifted from the casing also desired.

Since the motor, the eccentric mechanism, and the rod projecting up through the column are encased, they are protected from dust, and they are further protected from dust by the plates 17 and 21.

The eccentric mechanism is readily accessible for the purposes of inspection, adjustment and repair, To accomplish this, it is merely necessary to remove the bolts 99, thereby permitting ready separation of one of the heads and 97 from the other, thereby fully exposing the parts within the casing,

The rods 57 and 67 may be adjusted inde pendently up or down in order that their angles of inclination with respect to the horizontal-may be suitable for the most efficient grading of the materials, and these adjustments may be made at the lower ends ofthe screens without afi'ecting or disturbing the mechanism for reciprocating the screens.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment shown, and that various deviations may be made therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the, appended claims.

What is claimed is 1. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a screen, a casing beneath the screen, a shaft mounted in said casing, .an eccentric on said shaft having minute eccentricity, a member reciprocated by the eccentric and extending upward to the screen and adapted to vibrate the screen, the latter "being unattached to said member that it may have sympathetic vibrations independent of said member, and pins adapted to be struck by the vibrated screen, thereby further to contribute to the vibration of the screen.

2. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a screen having a frame and screen clothing, an eccentric having minute eccentricity and rotatable at high speed, and a member reciprocated by the ecportions thereof to vibrate with an amplitude of movement greater than that of said member; and elements engaged by said frame and limiting the amplitude of vibratory movement of said portions of the frame,

thereby further to contribute to the vibration of the screen- 4. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a screen having .a frame and screen clothing, a hammer memher for contact with said frame, and means rapidly to reciprocate said -member and i cause the same to strike the frame with a rapid succession of minute blows and place the screen in a highly vibrant condition, and fixed means against which the frame is vibrated, thereby further to increase the vibration of said frame.

5. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a support including sockets and pinsmounted in said sockets, a screen having a frame, an eccentric having minute eccentricity and rotatable at high speed, and means extending from. the eccentric to the screen frame for placing said frame in a highly vibrant condition on said pms.

6. A separatorfor grading materials comprising, in combination, a support including sockets, pins mounted in said sockets adjustable to vary the elevation thereof, a screen having a resilient frame member and screen clothing connected to said member;. and means including an eccentric for rapidly reciprocating said frame member with a small. amplitude of movement, thereby to cause said member rapidly to vibrate against said pins and further contribute to the vibration of the screen.

7. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a screen having a resilient frame and screen clothing connected to said frame; means for directly vibrating the screen frame including an eccentric having minute eccentricity and rotatable at high speed, said screen being unattached to said means and susceptible of vibrations independent of said means, and fixed means against which the screen is vibrated.

8. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a plurality of screens, elements opposed to said screens, and means for vibrating the screens against said elements including an eccentric having minute eccentricity and rotatable at high speed, said screens being -unattached to said vibrating means, that they may have independent vibratory movements against said elements. I 9. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, 'upper and lower screens, elements beneath the lower screen, elements above the upper screen, and .means including an eccentric for vibrating said screens against said elements, said eccentric having minute eccentricity, and an electric motor for rotating said eccentric at high speed.

10. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a support, a cross member mounted on said support, an inclined screen having a frame and screen clot-hing, the lower end of said frame being supported on said cross member, means to prevent the screen fromsliding down rela tively to the cross member, a pair of elements on the support opposite the upper end of the screen frame, and means including an eccentric for causing the upper end of the screen frame to vibrate against said elements.

11. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a support, an in clined screen mounted on the support and having a frame and screen clothing, a cross member on the support sustaining the lower end of the screen and adjustable to different positions for varying the angle of the screen, elements on the support opposite the upper end of the screen, and means including an eccentric for causing the screen frame to vibrate against said elements, said crossmemher being disposed in horizontal position on the support.

12. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a screen having a frame and screen clothing, fixed elements opposite'the frame, means for causing the frame to vibrate against said elements, and spring means for pressing the frame toward said elements and vibratingmeans.

13. A separator for grading mater als comprising, in combination, a screen having a frame and screen clothing, fixed'elements opposed to the frame, means for causmg the frame to vibrate against said elements, and

spring means for'pressing the screen toward said elements and having provision for varying the pressure thereof.

14. Aseparatorifor grading materials comprising, in combination, a casing having menses an open top, an inclined screen mounted in ingchaving holes circumferentially spaced the casing, and having a frame and screen on one, and a spring-pressed element on the clothing, fixed elements mounted on the casother adapted to enter any one of said holes, ing opposed to the frame, means for rapidly thereby to lock the bushing in its different vibrating the frame against said elements, positions of rotative adjustment, and means and spring means mounted on the casing for transmitting vibratorymovements from for pressing the screen frame toward said the eccentric bushing to the screen.

elements. 20. A separator for grading materials 15. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a screen and comprising, in combination, upper and means for vibrating the screen including lower screens, each having a frame and a shaft having an eccentric thereon, a bushscreenclothing, a pair of pins opposed to ing of varying thickness on the eccentric, the frame of the lower screen, means for said bushing having holes circumferentially vibrating the lower screen frame against spaced therein, a spring-pressed element said pins, and means separate from said adapted to enter any one of said holes to lock vibrating means for transmitting vibrations the bushing in different positions of rotative from the lower screen frame to the upper adjustment with respect to the eccentric, screen frame, and means to transmit reciprocatory move- 16. A separator for grading materials ments from the eccentric to the screen. comprising, in combination, upper and 21. A. separator for grading materials lower screens, each having a frame and comprising, in combination, amcasing, an inscreen clothing, a pair of pins opposed to clined screen mounted therein, a horizontal the frame of the lower screen, means. inred connected tothe casing, beneath and eluding an eccentric and a member actuatsupporting the lower end vof the screen, ed thereby for vibrating the lower screen plate'hung on the rod for guiding materials frame against said pins, and means separate leaving the screen, and means for vibrating from said member for transmitting vibrathe screen. tions from the lower screen frame to the 22. A separator for grading materials upper screen frame. comprising, in combination, a casing, in-

17, A separator for grading materials clined screens mounted therein, horizontal comprising, in combination, upper and rods carried by the casing, beneath and suplower inclined screens, each having a frame, porting the lower ends of said screens, and screen clothing, means for supporting plates hung from said rods for guiding masaid screens at different angles, elements opterials leaving the lower ends of said screens, posed to the lower screen frame, means for and means for vibrating said screens. vibrating the lower screen frame against 23. A separator for grading materials said elements, means for transmitting vibracomprising, in combination, a casing, an intions from the lower screen frame to the clined screen mounted therein, an eccentric upper screen frame, and means including mechanism for vibratingthe screen, a casa spring pressed rod acting on the upper ing for the eccentric mechanism, said firstscreen frame for pressing the screens downnamed casing having a wall for separating ward toward said elements. 7 the eccentric mechanism from the materials 18. A separator for grading materials graded, and elements mounted on said wall comprising, in combination, a casing, upper adapted to be struck by the screen when and lower inclined screens mounted in said reciprocated by the eccentric mechanism, casing, each. having a frame and screen thereby further to contribute to the vibraclothing, elements mounted on the casing tionofthe screen." opposed to the lower screen frame. means Qt A separator for grading materials including an eccentric for vibrating the comprising, in combination, a support, inlower screen frame against said elements, clined screens mounted thereon, means for means for transmitting vibrations from the vibrating said screens including an eccenlltl lower screen frame to the upper screen tric having slight eccentricity and means he frame, and means for pressing said screens neath the upperends of the screens for imdownward including a foot resting partly parting reciprocatory movements from the on thecasing and partly on the upper screen eccentric to the upperends o'f the screens, frame, and spring means for urging said and means to support theiower' ends of the foot downward. screens andfhaving provision for independ- 19.'A separator for grading materials entlv'varying the angles thereof with recomprising, in combination, a screen and spect to the horizontal, said vibrating means means for vibrating said screen including being unattached to the screens. a shaft having an eccentric thereon, a bush- 25. A separator for grading materials ing of varying thickness mounted on the "comprising, in combination, a screen. and eccentric, said bushing being rotatively admeans for vibrating the screen including a justable on. the eccentric to vary the ecc-ensh aft having an eccentric thereon, a bushtric effect thereof, said eccentric and bushingof varying thickness on the eccentric,

said bushing being rotatively adjustable on the eccentric to vary the eccentric effect thereof, said eccentric and bushing having holes circumferentially spaced on one and a locking element on the other movable radially of the eccentric into any one of said holes, and means for transmitting vibratory movements from the eccentric bushing to the screen.

26. A separator for grading materials comprising, in combination, a screen, and means for vibrating said screen including a shaft having an eccentric thereon, a bushing of varying thickness on the eccentric rotatively adjustable to vary the eccentric effect thereof, a strap for the eccentric, means for transmitting vibratory movements from the strap to the screen, said bushing having a portion laterally offset from said strap, and means cooperating with the shaft and the laterally offset por-.

tion of the bushing for locking the bushing in differentpositions of rotative adjustment with respect to the eccentric.

THOMAS J. STURTEVANT. EDWARD A. SAVVYER. 

